Robert Olson has been performing historical shows as magicians Richard Potter and Bayly for several decades. His performances are authentic, entertaining, and educational. And, you will learn what it means to be fooled by a gentleman.
As Mr. Olson says from the 1978 New York Times article, Recapturing Magic of the Past, “Let’s just say that Richard Potter is my contribution to history. I want to conserve his work in all of the authentic detail it deserves. Besides, the old stuff is still good.“
I wasn’t familiar with Bayly so Robert provided these details: Bayly, an actual magician of the late eighteenth century, first performed in New York City in 1767, at the sign of the Orange Tree Tavern. He advertised that he would present his feats of magic, “without the use of Pockets, Bags, or Sleeves.” Notices advertising Mr. Bayly’s performances can be found in New York, Baltimore, and Alexandria, Virginia, where he eventually made his home. At one show in 1782, money must have been in short supply, as potential customers for the show were told that they could use flax, wool, beeswax, or cotton as the price of admission.
Robert will be performing as follows:
As Richard Potter, Sat. May 5, New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord NH, for members.
As Mr. Bayly, 18th Century magician, Sat. June 9, at Brigade of the American Revolution Market Fair,
at the Locust Lawn Museum, Gardiner, New York. (TENTATIVE)
As Mr. Bayly, Sun. June 17, New Windsor Cantonment Museum, New Windsor, NY.
As Richard Potter, Sun. June 24, Billings Farm Museum, Woodstock Vermont.
As Mr. Bayly, Wed. July 4th, Schulyer Mansion, Albany, NY
As Richard Potter, Sun. August 5th, Potter Place, New Hampshire.
As Mr. Bayly, Sat-Sun. August 18-19, Hillsborough Living History Weekend, Hillsborough, New Hampshire.
As Mr. Bayly, Sat-Sun. Sept 15-16, George Washington’s Mt Vernon, Mt Vernon Virginia
As Richard Potter, Sat. Sept 22, Eastfield Village, East Nassau, NY
